Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Take antibiotics if instructed.

Follow a special diet if instructed.

Take a laxative and/or use an enema to clean out your intestines if instructed.

Shower the night before using antibacterial soap if instructed.

Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital. Also, have someone to help you at home.

Eat a light meal the night before. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

You will be connected to a ventilator. This is a machine that moves air in and out of your lungs. Next, several keyhole openings will be cut in the chest wall between the ribs. One or more chest tubes may be placed into the side of the chest. These tubes will be used to drain fluid and monitor air leakage. A needle may be used to inject carbon dioxide gas into the chest cavity. The gas will make it easier for internal structures to be viewed.

A small camera, called an endoscope, will be passed through one of the incisions. The camera will light, magnify, and project the structures onto a video screen. The camera will be attached to one of the robotic arms. The other arms will hold instruments for grasping, cutting, dissecting, and suturing. These may include:

Forceps

Scissors

Dissectors

Scalpels

While sitting at a console near the operating table, the doctor will use lenses to look at magnified 3D images of the inside of the body. Another doctor will stay by the table to adjust the camera and tools. With joystick-like controls and foot pedals, the doctor will guide the robotic arms and tools to remove organs and tissue. After the tools are removed, the doctor will use sutures or staples to close the surgical area.

Immediately After Procedure

If you are doing well, the breathing tube will be removed. Later, the chest tubes will be removed.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1-4 hours, depending on the procedure

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications. You may also feel discomfort from the gas used during the procedure. This can last up to 3 days.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is a few days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if you have any problems.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital, you may receive the following care:

Assistance sitting up and moving around soon after surgery

Instructions on what you should eat and how to restrict your activity

Nutrition through an IV or feeding tube in the days after surgery; you will gradually progress from a liquid to a solid diet

Directions on how to do deep breathing and coughing exercises

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Limit certain activities, such as driving, working, doing strenuous exercise, until you have recovered.

Wash the incisions with mild soap and water.

Participate in any physical therapy or rehabilitation.

Depending on the procedure, you should recover within a few weeks.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

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